UPDATE: At least 43 dead in gunmen attack to busy Nairobi mall

Nairobi
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A shooting attack around noon today at a shopping center in Nairobi, Kenya, left at least 30 people dead and about 50 injured. Early reports speak of armed men throwing hand grenades and shooting people in the most exclusive shopping mall in the city.

The exact number of victims is still unknown. "The rescue operation is underway. Police are still trying to get people out of the building," said Abbas Gullet, director of the local Red Cross.

September 21, 2013 -- Gunman have stormed an upscale shopping mall in Nairobi, Kenya. Government special forces have entered the complex and it is believed that at least 22 people are dead in suspected terror attack

Courtesy Euronews

Members of the armed forces rushed into the Westgate Centre shopping mall after local authorities referred to the event as "a terrorist attack". Kibue Benson, Nairobi police chief, did not name any particular group as possibly responsible for the attack.

According to authorities, an operation involving several law enforcement agencies is being carried out to rescue people who are still in the place. Among the troops there are an anti-terrorist squad and a hostage rescue team.

Mutea Iringo, main secretary in the Ministry of Interior said "There is the possibility that this may be a terrorist attack, so we are dealing with the matter very seriously.", reports NBCNews.

UPDATE:

According to sources at least 43 people have died in the assault that began this morning at Westgate shopping center in Nairobi. A group of terrorists belonging to the Al Shabaab militia has claimed responsibility for the attack. They have set up a barricade in the building and maintain a still unknown number of hostages.